As Mexico and Mexican communities around the world celebrate Dia de Muertos 2023 on November 1 and 2, let's explore Paris' Mexican heritage and sites.
Although the capital doesn't boast an abundance of specifically Mexican sites and monuments, it does contain a number of places linked to Mexican culture, whether cultural centers, restaurants or other visible heritage sites, some of which can be visited.
A nice stroll in perspective, to appreciate the richness of Mexican culture, before heading off to satiate yourself in one of Paris's Mexican restaurants or, why not, to prepare your own traditional Dia de Muertos Mexican specialties!
Enjoy your Mexican stroll through the streets of Paris!
La Maison du Mexique at the Cité Universitaire
9C, boulevard Jourdan, Paris 14
Designed byarchitect Jorge L. Medellin and his brother, engineer Roberto E. Medellin, the Maison du Mexique is located in the heart of the Cité Universitaire de Paris, in the capital's 14th arrondissement. In addition to 92 housing units for Mexican university students, the Maison, equipped by French designer Jean Prouvé, is also home to one of the Cité Internationale's six specialized libraries: the Sor Juana Inès de la Cruz Library, which houses almost 12,000 volumes on Mexico.
Funded by the Mexican government since the 1920s, the house has the status of a recognized public utility foundation, whose board of directors is chaired by theMexican Ambassador to France. Shortly before its renovation in 2014, the Maison du Mexique acquired a replica of the Sun Stone, a 3.60-meter-diameter Aztec calendar discovered in Mexico City's central square in 1790.
The Institut Culturel du Mexique
119, rue Vieille-du-Temple, Paris 3
The Institut Culturel du Mexique is a cultural center founded in 1979 that promotes Mexican culture in all its forms, through cultural events. A showcase for Mexican culture in Paris, the institute also offers Spanish language courses and is a veritable meeting place for the capital's Mexican community.
Located in the heart of the Marais district, the Institut Culturel du Mexique organizes year-round exhibitions and events celebrating pre-Hispanic arts and civilizations, popular art and contemporary Mexican creation, from photography and design to architecture, sculpture, cinema, literature and the performing arts. Exhibitions and cultural events are organized, including book presentations, screenings, conferences, concerts, round tables and performances.
Place de Mexico
Paris 16
Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, just a stone's throw from the nearby embassy, Place de Mexico is a tribute to the ties forged between Mexico and France. Formerly known as the 'rond-point de Longchamp', this chic square, lined with tasteful buildings, was renamed Place de Mexico by decree on May 7, 1957. At its center is a sculpture by Águeda Lozano, Terre du Mexique en Terre de France, donated by Mexico in 2006.
La Lucha Libre
10, rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, Paris 5
In the heart of the 5th arrondissement, a well-kept secret... The Lucha Libre bar, the only bar in Paris equipped with a real wrestling ring! A change of scenery is guaranteed in this bar decorated in Mexican style, transporting the curious into the delirious world of Mexican wrestling!
Located in the bar's basement, the ring room, which can seat up to 80 people, regularly hosts bouts of lucha libre, a sport that first appeared in Mexico in the 19th century. The good-natured confrontations of lucha libre are truly national entertainment in Mexico, and in the basement of this bar too!
Stores selling Mexican products and crafts
A number of boutiques sell Mexican products, handicrafts, traditional clothing and other souvenirs from Mexico, including Latino Market and La Boutique d'Amérique Latine in the 15th arrondissement, La Esquinita and Mexicoeur in the 2nd arrondissement, Tienda Esquipula in the 18th arrondissement, and Maison Bleu Agave, click and collect in the capital's 17th arrondissement.
Don't forget to visit the Musée du Quai Branly, which boasts a vast collection ofLatin American art and objects, including pieces relating to pre-Columbian Mexican culture. Parisian art galleries also regularly exhibit contemporary Mexican artists, giving art lovers the opportunity to discover the current Mexican art scene.
And don't forget the Mexican restaurants in Paris, where you can enjoy tacos, guacamole or enchiladas while drinking margaritas!
Mexican restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Looking for a taste of Mexican cuisine? Here are the best addresses for Mexican restaurants in Paris! [Read more]
Mexican restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
